LeFleur Dental Group
Dental Crowns
Your smile is a powerful reflection of your individuality. Unfortunately, sometimes, life takes a toll on our smiles, from damaged teeth to tooth loss. At LeFleur Dental Group, dental crowns are the unsung heroes in dental care. They are a restorative procedure that helps restore one’s smile and boost confidence. If you have been struggling with damaged teeth, dental crowns in Jackson, MS, could be the solution to restoring and enhancing your smile.
What are Dental Crowns?
Worn down, cracked, or unsightly teeth can seriously damage your confidence. Dental crowns, often called “caps,” are custom-designed covers placed over damaged teeth, restoring their shape, size, strength, and appearance. Consider dental crowns as thrones for teeth; they encapsulate and protect compromised teeth without compromising aesthetics or functionality.
When are Dental Crowns Necessary?
Dental crowns may become necessary for a variety of reasons. If you have any oral concerns, please get in touch with our office today to see if dental crowns are the best solution for your smile!
- Tooth Decay: A crown can be ideal when tooth decay becomes too severe for a filling. It encapsulates the tooth, preventing the decay from spreading any further.
- Chipping or Cracking: A crown can hold a tooth together and restore its original appearance and function if a tooth is significantly chipped or cracked.
- Root Canals: After a root canal, the tooth becomes more brittle. A crown is usually recommended to protect the tooth and restore its function
- Cosmetic Modification: For cosmetic reasons, crowns can cover discolored or misshapen teeth, giving you a smile makeover.
The Dental Crown Procedure
Getting a dental crown is usually a multi-step process that involves several visits to LeFleur Dental Group.
During the first visit, Dr. William Mayfield, Dr. Gay Crosby, or Dr. Mickey Crosby will examine the tooth to ensure it can support a crown. X-rays may be taken to provide a comprehensive view, and the tooth is filed down to make room for the crown. If the tooth has significant damage, a filling material is used first to build it up and better retain the crown.
Once the tooth is reshaped, impressions of the tooth and the surrounding teeth are made and sent to a dental laboratory, where the custom crown is fabricated. A temporary crown is placed over the tooth to protect it while the permanent crown is being made, usually in about two to three weeks.
We will remove the temporary crown and then place and fit the new crown. We will make any necessary adjustments, and once satisfied, the crown is cemented onto the natural tooth, effectively becoming the new outer surface of the tooth.
Dental Crown Aftercare
While a crowned tooth does not require any special attention, maintaining oral hygiene is crucial to the longevity of the crown and your overall dental health. Key points for care and maintenance include:
- Regular Brushing: Brush your teeth at least twice daily, focusing on the crown area to keep it clean and plaque-free.
- Flossing: Floss around the crown to remove debris and avoid gum diseases that may lead to crown problems.
- Routine Dental Visits: It’s essential to keep up with your regular dental visits for professional cleanings and to monitor the condition of your crown.
- Avoiding Chewing Hard Substances: Refrain from using your teeth to open packages or bite into very hard foods to avoid damaging the crown.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
The benefits of dental crowns range beyond the aesthetic:
- Aesthetic Improvement: A dental crown can significantly improve the appearance of a damaged tooth, making it difficult to distinguish from the rest of your teeth.
- Functional Restoration: Crowns can restore the natural shape and functioning of the tooth, allowing you to bite and chew normally without discomfort.
- Strength and Support: Crowns provide a significant amount of strength and support to weak or damaged teeth, potentially preventing the need for extraction in the future.
- Longevity: Dental crowns can last many years, providing a long-term solution to dental issues.
Dental Crowns in Jackson
Dental crowns play an integral role in preserving and enhancing your dental well-being. They serve as a beacon of hope for those who’ve experienced dental trauma or decay, offering a second chance at a perfect, functioning smile. If you’re considering a crown or unsure about the condition of your teeth, don’t hesitate to schedule a consultation with our team today to discuss the options available to you.
